Esther Marie "Buffalo" Bartee

Esther Marie Bartee, 83, of Tunas, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025. She was born on May 16, 1942, in Tunas, Missouri, the youngest of twelve children to David and Cora. Esther worked many jobs throughout her life. In Kansas City she spent time with Velvet Cream Popcorn, she even roofed houses for a time, and later dedicated many years to Hales Fireworks, where she worked until her retirement in 2007–2008. Family was at the heart of everything Esther did. She is survived by her son William "Bill" Waller and his wife Ann, as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who brought her tremendous joy: Wade Lynch and his children Hannah, Cayleb, Leah, and Emmy; Matt Lynch and his wife Melinda and their children Ezrah and Lincoln; Jenn Novak and her husband Ron and their children William, Alyssa and Kaylee. Amanda Rodelander and her husband Rick with their children Clayton and Mason; Bradley Walters; Bailey Walters and her kids Paisleigh, Sawyer, and Laynie. Esther was preceded in death by her beloved daughters, Rebecca Walters and Roberta Freeman. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren hold countless cherished memories of their time with her-whether gathering eggs from the chicken house with Leah, or Emmy's excitement when she got to pet a deer that Esther had raised from an orphan. Esther found beauty in the everyday: watching her animals in the yard with the boys, taking daily walks in the woods, and spending deer season surrounded by her family, a tradition she treasured deeply. She loved her dogs dearly, enjoyed traveling-especially to Arizona and Colorado-and found great joy in watching her great-grandchildren grow. Esther's life was one of strength, love, and connection to family and nature. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. A celebration of life will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday October 18, 2025 at her home in Tunas. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Esther Marie Bartee please visit our Sympathy Store.